Outlook Curtis Mead
Curtis Mead has emerged as a middle-of-the-order force during a scorching July stretch
Mead is currently locked in as the everyday third baseman and primary number three hitter for the 48-49 Nationals. Over his last 14 days, he has been an absolute catalyst, slashing .400/.471/.767 with three home runs and five RBIs. Washington sits fourth in the NL East but remains just four games back in the Wild Card race thanks largely to this offensive surge from their 25-year-old infielder.
This 2026 season has been a massive breakout, with Mead already tallying 17 home runs—well beyond his historical benchmarks and our initial season projections. While his year-to-date average of .247 is neutral, his recent 1.611 OPS over the last seven days suggests he has found a higher gear. Given his consistent contact rates and newfound power against right-handed pitching, this breakout looks like a permanent level-up in his fantasy profile.
The Nationals head into a three-game series against the Athletics, who are currently reeling on a nine-game losing streak. Our models project Mead for a .305 average and nearly a home run over these three games. With the Athletics' staff struggling and Mead reaching base at a .500 clip over the last week, he is an easy choice for fantasy managers to keep in their lineups. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
Latest News Curtis Mead
Outlook Chase DeLauter
Chase DeLauter fuels first-place Guardians with massive power surge
DeLauter has been electric since returning from a rib fracture, slashing .293/.356/.610 with four home runs over his last 14 days. He has anchored the middle of the order for the first-place Guardians, who currently hold a 51-46 record and are riding a four-game winning streak. With stars like Jose Ramirez sidelined, DeLauter has successfully transitioned into a primary run-producing role as the team's everyday designated hitter and occasional right fielder.
While our season projections originally pegged him for 15 home runs, he has already swatted 11 through 80 games, demonstrating a power ceiling that exceeds our models' initial expectations. His .339 average over the last 30 days is likely due for some slight regression toward his .278 season mark, but his 1.146 OPS over the last week suggests that his elite bat speed and unique swing are translating to sustainable high-end fantasy production.
Cleveland finishes the week with a three-game home stand against the Pirates. While the series finale on Sunday presents a daunting challenge against ace Paul Skenes and his elite 1.02 WHIP, DeLauter has favorable matchups earlier in the weekend against Jared Jones and his 4.37 ERA. Despite the difficulty of facing the Pittsburgh rotation, his current form and increased counting-stat opportunities make him an essential lineup fixture. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
